Poole offers a superb range of attractions, activities, festivals and events all year round. Explore new places with your group, visit your favourite attractions or try something new.
You can access a copy of the Poole Town Centre Map, highlighting coach parking information here.
Information on Public toilets in Poole can be found on the main Poole Council website.
Here’s just a few ideas of places to visit in Poole. You can contact the attractions directly to book a visit in advance, find out about group rates and get further information to make the most of your visit.
Poole Quay for Groups
Poole Quay is a perfect location for groups with a central drop off point at the heart of the quayside and free off site coach parking. Enjoy fabulous harbour views from a wide range of waterside cafes, bars & restaurants, browse for gifts or take a harbour cruise and see Poole from the water.
Poole Quay Highlights
Poole Museum
Dorset's most visited free attraction, Poole Museum offers a great time for all in historic quayside buildings in Poole’s Old Town and is home to Poole's Tourist Information Centre. Discover the remarkable story of this historic port and its harbour and see outstanding exhibits. Floor 3 has the world’s best public display of Poole Pottery, revealing the remarkable story of this unique British pottery business including an original potter's wheel.
There are activities for all the family throughout the year. Approximately 500 metres from the coach drop off point, the museum has disabled access, a lift to its three floors and a cafe.
Poole History
Take a self guided Cockle Trail one hour walk (pick up a leaflet, 50p from the Tourist Information Centre or download a copy on the right). Follow the brass panels set into the pavement exploring Poole's seafaring history. Visit Poole's historic Old Town and 18th Century Merchant Houses where Poole gained its fortune from rich trade with Newfoundland.
Titan Leathercraft
Working leathercrafting studio and shop with free public viewing area where visitors can come and watch a team of skilled craftspeople at create unique leather goods. Browse a range of hand-made leather goods and gifts in the large shop and relax in the coffee lounge.
Quayside Emporium
A unique shopping experience; one shop filled with many local traders of arts, craft, giftware and much more! A huge variety of local gifts and foods can be found here too. As well as the great shopping, Quayside Emporium boasts a welcoming cafe restaurant.
A visit to Poole Quay isn't complete without a Harbour Cruise...
City Cruises Poole
City Cruises Poole offer a wide range of cruises throughout the year. See the best views in Dorset with our sightseeing, dining and evening cruises. Whether it’s a short cruise in Europe’s largest natural Harbour or a cruise down the Jurassic Coast to the Victorian resort of Swanage there is something for all tastes. With a licensed bar & tea / coffee lounges onboard and a full commentary from our experienced Captains we will make your trip extra special.
Brownsea Island
National Trust Brownsea Island a an island rich with adventure, wildlife, history, walks and stunning local views. Boats depart daily from Poole Quay, from 10am every half hour. The island re-opens for daily visits on 17 March 2018. For winter opening contact the island directly.
Greenslades Pleasure Boats
Brownsea Island Ferry Trips available with Greenslade Pleasure Boats.
Come see the wonderful Poole Harbour and Dorset coastline from a different angle. Take one of the many boat trips and pleasure cruises that regularly run from the town’s bustling quayside, around the harbour, along the coast to Swanage or to Wareham River. With 3 boats offering capacity for 150-179 people space for a dance floor, disco, live bands plus a fully licensed bar, it is a great option for groups.
Brownsea Island Ferries
As well as services to Brownsea Island, Brownsea Island Ferries offer Harbour Cruises, Jurassic Coastal Cruises, cruises to Dancing Ledge puffin nesting site and winter RSPB guided bird trips.
Birds of Poole Harbour
New to Poole Quay - One stop shop resource for visitors looking to find out more about the Harbour and the wildlife it supports.
Away from Poole Quay…
Use the Route One bus service that links the quay, Poole Park and shopping centre every 15 minutes (excluding Sundays).
RNLI Discovery Tours
The RNLI have a fascinating 150 year history in Poole. Take a behind the scenes 90 minute tour to learn more about this history and see how the volunteer crews and lifeguards are trained or take a tour of the state of the art ship building facilities. Advanced booking essential.
Gardens & Parks
Follow the level harbour footpath along the quayside passing through Harbourside Park and into the Victorian oasis of Poole Park. The central lake is surrounded by facilities such as a Poole Park railway, tennis courts, a bowling green, cricket pitch, watersports and boating on the lake with Rockley Watersports. The Ark offers soft play, ice skating and café.
Three miles out of the Town Centre you will find Upton County Park with over 100 acres of parkland, shoreline and formal estate gardens. The historic house, rustic play trail, formal walled gardens and café make for a wonderful day out.
Take a short journey from Poole Quay to Compton Acres. With 10 acres of beautiful gardens reputed to be the finest in Europe.
Condor Ferries
Add a day trip to Guernsey to your Dorset Tour with big discounts for groups of 10 or more, from just £18pp adult foot return.
Tower Park Leisure Complex
A short journey out of town is Tower Park Leisure Complex which hosts a selection of exciting activities including bowling, cinema, soft play and bingo. Splashdown at Tower Park is the South West’s favourite all action waterpark. Evening sessions are available so you can combine this activity with a meal at one of Tower Park’s many restaurants.
Evening Entertainment and activities
Enjoy a year-round programme of national and international shows at the recently refurbished Lighthouse – The largest arts centre outside London, with group discount available. Home to the world class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra see programmes packed with top comedy and concert greats, intimate performances and cutting edge theatre.
Experience the excitement greyhound racing at Poole Stadium. Groups can enjoy the action from the best seats in the house, in the 300 seat Gallery Restaurant overlooking the track.
Here you can also watch the world famous Poole Pirates at Poole Speedway.
Attractions on our doorstep
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
Swanage Railway
World Heritage Museums
Russell-Cotes Museum
BH Live
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